Rigid Foam Board (XPS) Cost & Calculator

XPS (extruded polystyrene) rigid foam board provides continuous insulation without thermal bridging. Its high moisture resistance makes it ideal for below-grade and ground-contact applications.

Unit Price

$0.55

per sq ft

Labor Cost

$0.40

per sq ft

Durability

50

years lifespan

Sustainability

2/5

Below Average

Category: Insulation
Range: $0.35 – $0.85/sq ft
Waste Factor: 10%
Avg Project: $1,500

Rigid Foam Board (XPS) Cost Calculator

1 sq ft1,000 sq fts

Order quantity: 111 sq fts (100 + 10% waste)

Material Cost

$61

incl. $6 waste buffer

Labor Cost

$44

Total Estimated Cost

$105

Based on 111 sq fts at $0.55/sq ft + $0.40/sq ft labor. Actual costs vary by location and supplier.

Specifications

R-Value per inchR-5.0
Thickness1", 1.5", 2"
Compressive Strength25 psi
Water Absorption<0.3%

Price Comparison with Alternatives

MaterialPriceDurabilitySustainabilityCost/Year
Rigid Foam Board (XPS) (current)$0.55/sq ft50 yrs2/5$0.01
Closed-Cell Spray Foam$1.80/sq ft (per inch)80 yrs2/5$0.02
EPS Foam Board Insulation$0.35/sq ft50 yrs2/5$0.01

Cost/Year = unit price divided by expected lifespan. Lower cost/year indicates better long-term value. Note: units may differ between materials.

Best Uses

  • Foundation exterior
  • Under slab
  • Continuous wall insulation
  • Roof insulation

Material Details

Average Project Cost

$1,500

Typical project using this material

Sustainability Rating

Below Average — consider greener alternatives

Waste Factor

10%

Order 10% extra to account for cuts, breakage, and fitting

Rigid Foam Board (XPS): Complete Buying Guide 2026

XPS (extruded polystyrene) rigid foam board provides continuous insulation without thermal bridging. Its high moisture resistance makes it ideal for below-grade and ground-contact applications. In 2026, rigid foam board (xps) prices average $0.55 per sq ft, with a typical range of $0.35 to $0.85 depending on your region, supplier relationships, and order quantity.

When budgeting for a project using rigid foam board (xps), factor in approximately 10% additional material for waste, plus labor costs averaging $0.40 per sq ft for professional installation. A typical project using this material runs approximately $1,500 including both materials and labor.

With an expected lifespan of 50 years, rigid foam board (xps) represents a cost of approximately $0.01 per sq ft per year of service life. This exceptional longevity makes it one of the most cost-effective materials when measured over its full lifespan.

More Insulation Materials

Open-Cell Spray Foam

$0.65/sq ft (per inch)

80 yrs lifespan • Sustainability: 2/5

Mineral Wool (Rockwool) Insulation

$1.30/sq ft

100 yrs lifespan • Sustainability: 4/5

Radiant Barrier

$0.30/sq ft

25 yrs lifespan • Sustainability: 4/5

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Fiberglass Batt Insulation

$0.70/sq ft — 80 year lifespan

Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

$1.20/sq ft — 50 year lifespan

Closed-Cell Spray Foam

$1.80/sq ft (per inch) — 80 year lifespan